For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a 'Better Block'

By Nolan Hicks :
December 8, 2012
: Updated: December 9, 2012 12:31am

Ainsley Travis, 3, watches passers-by shop during a “Better Block” event on West Commerce Street. It was organized to promote more pedestrian-friendly activities downtown, with part of the street closed off.

Photo By Michael Miller/For the Express-News

Alexandra Wilcox places stickers on activities she would like to see on Commerce Street during a "Better Block" event at 300 W. Commerce on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012. The organizers and city hope to promote more pedestrian friendly activities with sidewalk cafes and closing down some of the lanes on the road to make it friendlier to walkers. It's part of an effort to help spark a renewed interest in parts of downtown that have struggled to be revitalized in recent years. MICHAEL MILLER / FOR THE EXPRESS-NEWS

Photo By Michael Miller/For the Express-News

VIA representative Sabrina Polanco, right, shows off a VIA Primo bus to Claudia Ruibal, front left, and LTC John Ruibal during a "Better Block" event at 300 W. Commerce on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012. The organizers and city hope to promote more pedestrian friendly activities with sidewalk cafes and closing down some of the lanes on the road to make it friendlier to walkers. It's part of an effort to help spark a renewed interest in parts of downtown that have struggled to be revitalized in recent years. MICHAEL MILLER / FOR THE EXPRESS-NEWS

Photo By Michael Miller/For the Express-News

A VIA Primo bus is shown off during a "Better Block" event at 300 W. Commerce on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012. The Primo is meant to help riders get to their destinations faster. The organizers and city hope to promote more pedestrian friendly activities with sidewalk cafes and closing down some of the lanes on the road to make it friendlier to walkers. It's part of an effort to help spark a renewed interest in parts of downtown that have struggled to be revitalized in recent years. MICHAEL MILLER / FOR THE EXPRESS-NEWS

Photo By Michael Miller/For the Express-News

Clothing waits to be sold by Rosa Torres of Tots Boutique during a "Better Block" event at 300 W. Commerce on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012. The organizers and city hope to promote more pedestrian friendly activities with sidewalk cafes and closing down some of the lanes on the road to make it friendlier to walkers. It's part of an effort to help spark a renewed interest in parts of downtown that have struggled to be revitalized in recent years. MICHAEL MILLER / FOR THE EXPRESS-NEWS

Photo By Michael Miller/For the Express-News

Bows wait to be sold by Rosa Torres of Tots Boutique during a "Better Block" event at 300 W. Commerce on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012. The organizers and city hope to promote more pedestrian friendly activities with sidewalk cafes and closing down some of the lanes on the road to make it friendlier to walkers. It's part of an effort to help spark a renewed interest in parts of downtown that have struggled to be revitalized in recent years. MICHAEL MILLER / FOR THE EXPRESS-NEWS

Photo By Michael Miller/For the Express-News

A huge chess set waits for players during a "Better Block" event at 300 W. Commerce on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012. The organizers and city hope to promote more pedestrian friendly activities with sidewalk cafes and closing down some of the lanes on the road to make it friendlier to walkers. It's part of an effort to help spark a renewed interest in parts of downtown that have struggled to be revitalized in recent years. MICHAEL MILLER / FOR THE EXPRESS-NEWS

Photo By Michael Miller/For the Express-News

Delizia Empanadas Argentinas sells food during a "Better Block" event at 300 W. Commerce on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012. The organizers and city hope to promote more pedestrian friendly activities with sidewalk cafes and closing down some of the lanes on the road to make it friendlier to walkers. It's part of an effort to help spark a renewed interest in parts of downtown that have struggled to be revitalized in recent years. MICHAEL MILLER / FOR THE EXPRESS-NEWS

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

Photo By Libby Castillo, mySA.com

For a few hours, West Commerce becomes a "Better Block" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.

More Information

For just a few hours Saturday, a key portion of one of downtown's main drags was transformed into something approaching a pedestrian's paradise.

Along a stretch of West Commerce Street — centered between Plaza De Armas and South Laredo Street — a lane was closed to make more room for walkers and bikers. Chairs and benches were added to give people a place to sit. Vendors set up tables in front of storefronts that usually are empty.

There even was a chess board drawn in chalk and a supersized set of pieces. Activities, vendor tables and pop-up stores stretched from North Santa Rosa to Flores Street for the city's third “Better Block” event, a community revitalization effort that challenges participants to reimagine urban areas, with temporary bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, cultural and art displays and retail options.

Saturday's affair, organized by the city and Team Better Block, aimed to encourage development around West Commerce Street by helping people see what the area might be like without vacant storefronts and heavy traffic.

“It's not really a hangout kind of area,” said Kirish Dirkson, who manned a table that was selling different pieces of art. He said he thought the changes made the area friendlier and hoped the changes would stick.

It's the sort of reaction that city officials are looking for as they plot how best to improve the area with money from the 2012 bond program.

It serves city and urban planners to allow the community to experience the changes they might recommend to help revitalize the area — a sort of beta-testing on a city block scale — and a way to gather feedback.

“We feel like this is the time to start re-envisioning it because we have the funding to do so,” Houston said.